Where Do Mice Hide In A House?

As a child, you may have watched and appreciated the fights that went on between cat and mouse in the classic cartoon series, Tom and Jerry. You may have even rooted for the mouse, Jerry. As wisdom comes with age (or at least it’s supposed to), you’ve probably come to realize that Tom was not the antagonist and Jerry… well, he had no business infesting the house or tormenting the cat. Unfortunately, mouse infestations are a real-life problem and one that can be difficult to resolve since these rodents are quite adept at avoiding detection.

Why mice nest indoors

In Phoenix, Tucson, and elsewhere in Southern Arizona, mice's seasonal behavior is shaped by our region’s desert climate, particularly extremely hot summers and mild winters. As temperatures drop in the cooler months, mice seek shelter indoors, prioritizing spaces near heat and food sources.

During the sweltering summer months, when outdoor temperatures soar, mice often prefer cooler nesting sites indoors or even under landscape elements that provide shade.

Of course, if they detect a way in, mice can and will sneak into homes and businesses all year long. Once inside, mice will not leave if they find everything necessary to survive—in other words, food, water, and shelter.

Mice are nocturnal (for the most part)

Mice are most active in the hours between dusk and dawn when they start foraging for sustenance, pilfering and/or damaging household items in order to gather nesting material and are out to satisfy their natural curiosity. As a result of their nocturnal proclivities, homeowners don’t often see mice running around inside their houses. 

Of course, there are always exceptions and if you’re seeing mice in your home during the daylight hours, it could be that their nest was disturbed or they’ve established a “safe” route to food sources. It’s also very likely that you have a serious mouse problem on your hands. 

Common places mice hide inside Tucson & Phoenix homes

If mice are on the move at night, it begs the question of what they get up to during the daylight hours. The answer is to rest from their nighttime excursions and evade the attention of people who live in the homes they’re occupying. 

In order to keep a low-profile, mice will hide in areas where there is little chance to run into humans. Attics, crawl spaces, garages, and storage closets are all ideal because there isn’t a whole lot of foot traffic on a given day. 

Unfortunately, mice may hide out in rooms where there is more human activity but it’s typically in places that aren’t readily visible. For example, the bases of kitchen cabinets, the gaps between kitchen appliances and the floor, and even under sinks are all great places for mice to hide. 

In addition to the spots noted above, mice often hide in the following places:

• Above ceilings, inside wall voids & under flooring 
• Pantries
• Storage boxes containing belongings
• Old boxes
• Holiday decorations
• Furniture
• Insulation

Please note, this is not an exhaustive list and should not be considered such.

Signs you have a mouse problem in your home

If you suspect there’s a mouse in the house or several, look for the following signs:

• Mouse feces around food sources, in drawers and cupboards, and at or near the hiding places previously mentioned
• Urine stains on surfaces and in the case of more serious infestations, the presence of an ammonia-like odor
• Chew marks in cardboard boxes, pantry items, and other belongings and building materials
• Nests and/or the collection of shredded bits of paper, plastic, fabrics, and other materials to be used for making a nest
• Sounds of scratching and squeaking coming the ceiling or walls
• Unpleasant odors emanating from the walls, overhead, or under the floor 
• Marks in dust and dirt from tiny feet and tails

Impact of mice on Arizona homes

When mice (or rats, for that matter) infest homes, they can cause minor to more significant property damage. Their sharp teeth constantly grow, compelling them to chew on anything to keep them worn down. Unfortunately, this includes wiring, which not only leads to electrical repairs but can also create a fire hazard. Rodents also chew through wood, drywall, and insulation, weakening structural integrity and potentially increasing energy costs.

Furniture and other belongings, particularly those stored in the garage, attic, or other low-trafficked areas, are at risk when mice appear. These pests may nest inside them or gnaw on them. Additionally, their droppings and urine can stain surfaces and damage belongings.

Mice can also introduce health risks when they hide out in homes

Regarding mouse infestations, property damage isn’t the only risk. Mice pose several health risks to people due to their ability to carry and transmit various diseases, bacteria, and allergens. For example, Hantavirus is a potentially life-threatening illness spread through inhaling dust contaminated with mouse droppings or urine. Just this past summer, seven confirmed cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in Arizona resulted in three deaths. Mice can also contaminate food and surfaces with bacteria like salmonella, leading to sickness. 

What to do if mice are in your house

The best way to deal with a mouse problem in your home is to take immediate action. Don’t wait for holidays to come and go before you tackle this serious issue. To do so, would only result in increased chances of property damage and exposure to health and safety hazards. 

At Northwest Exterminating, we take pride in offering highly effective pest control services in Tucson, Oro, and throughout Southern Arizona and the Phoenix metro. When you reach out for help getting rid of mice and other pests that have infested your home, you can count on our locally operated team to do it right! 

Our SmartDefense plan, is a year-round home pest control solution that features:

• Year-round pest protection
• Four seasonal services per year
• Coverage for common house-infesting insects and rodents
• SMART monitoring system for rodents 
• Free emergency service

In addition to our year-round pest control services, Northwest Exterminating also offers a pest exclusion service. Our Desert Guard service protects homes from pests, such as rodents, scorpions, and insects by creating a protective barrier around homes. With a combination of habitat modification, exclusion techniques, and targeted treatments, we make our customers' properties a less attractive target for desert pests!

For the most comprehensive protection against mice and other pests all year long, reach out to Northwest Exterminating today! 

This blog originally published on November 9, 2022; it has been updated to include the most up to date information.